by C D Muller
I’m more than certain that they will have plenty. They have to take care of the other dragons as well.
After a few hours of walking, they eventually reached a bridge . Selena pointed to a small enclosure of trees near it.
“Let's rest here for a little bit.”
“I don't know what you're talking about,” Rahim began, “I'm already resting.”
Thor shifted his shoulders and Rahim was knocked to the side.
“You don't get to say anything,” Selena joked back with him.
“Then let the lesson commence!” Silver exclaimed.
“If I didn't know any better,” Selena began, “you seem much more excited about this than I am.”
“Of course I am! It's not very often that I get to teach someone how to use magic! There was that one time, but it was a disaster; but now I get to teach you! You're picking it up incredibly fast and I want you to know everything!”
Selena held a nervous smile as she and Thor exchanged glances.
“I want you to create that flame shield again and this time, I want to see you turn it into a weapon!” Silver said happily again.
“I was too tired to watch you last night,” Rahim said with a yawn, “it looked pretty boring. I figured he was just lecturing you.”
Selena shot him an angry glance.
“That's offensive. Silver is trying to teach me about the elements and that's how you see it?” she barked at him.
Silver placed a hand on her shoulder.
“My dear,” he interrupted, “There are some people who don't understand, nor appreciate, what I'm teaching you.”
“It's amazing, but that doesn't mean that just because you don't understand it you have to be disrespectful towards those who are learning about it,” Selena responded as she and Silver walked over to their enclosure.
Thor, on the other hand, sat down on the ground near the river bank.
This is going to be very exciting.
Please don’t judge me, Selena pleaded, feeling slightly embarrassed.
Thor bared his fangs and lifted his lips as if he were trying to smile. Just for that, I get to judge you. Starting now!
“It's extremely difficult to learn. Not very many will dedicate the time and energy it usually takes. Unfortunately those who don't understand it will act disrespectful and crude. Rahim is still young as well, so of course nothing like that will interest him.”
“You speak as though you are much older than he is, and yet, you don't appear to be,” Selena stated.
“Err,” Silver stuttered, “enough of that! Let's continue! Show me how to make a weapon out of fire that you can wield!”
Selena caught on to that, but she tossed the thought aside as she concentrated on her training from the night before to summon the fire. Once again, she created the shield that hardened like lava. She tried to think of how she would be able to create a tangible object that she could hold. Her face lit up when she came up with an idea.
She imagined her shield dissipating away. It crumbled around her; the pieces then suddenly began to form in a ring. She closed her eyes and, with a deep breath, focused on the shards creating a rod. With an exhalation of air, she breathed out a chilling wind that cooled it enough for her to hold. Silver watched in amazement as the pieces came together to form a scythe with a molten blade that dripped to the ground.
“I believe you're already unlocking part of your past. I hope you realize that you just used three elements in order to make that weapon,” Silver said with a smirk.
Selena opened her eyes and took a step backwards when she realized what she had done.
“Do you know how you just did that?” Silver asked her, pointing at the scythe.
“N… no!” Selena exclaimed.
“You breathed out ice with air,” he explained, “how did you do that?”
“I don't know. I just did it! It was like I already knew how, but yet, I don't know how,” Selena said excitedly.
“It's amazing is what it is! You acted out of instinct! You make me so proud! The Council will appreciate your talents!” Silver cried out again with a clap of his hands.
Rahim held up his hand and used gestures to mock Silver's words. Selena caught him and he immediately stopped.
“What?” he asked.
Selena chuckled a little and gripped her scythe. Rahim's eyes widened with fear as she approached him.
“Come down here and play, Rahim,” Selena said jokingly and sadistically. He moved to the other end of the saddle and held up one of their bags to hide his face. She laughed, but stopped when she heard the unsheathing of metal from behind her.
From the corner of her eye, she caught Silver drawing out his very own weapon, a scythe that looked just like hers, but was made of actual metal. It was encrusted with gold along the handle with a dragon twisting around near where it met the curved blade, the head facing outward and a giant sapphire stone in the crown. At the end of the handle was a large crystal rod. The actual blade itself was made of a black metal with delicate gold etchings on the top.
Rahim looked up at the two of them as Silver began to circle around Selena.
“What's going on?” Selena questioned.
“For research of course,” Silver said with a sadistic smile.
Selena gritted her teeth as she tightened the grip on her weapon. Had he been toying with her the entire time?
Silver re-adjusted his glasses and placed one hand in his pocket.
“I will let you deliver the first blow. This is training for you, and research material for me. I want to study you some more, how you have been able to learn magic as easily as you have. Despite being able to use magic before your memory was wiped clean, it is impossible for anyone to learn how to channel energy as quickly as you have,” he said calmly, staring directly into her eyes.
Selena trembled and looked over at Thor. He watched Silver intently, but did not move. She was confused and frightened that he did not seem too overly concerned. Neither did Rahim; instead, he was complimenting how Silver's weapon looked and appeared to be rather entertained.
“Shall we begin?”
Selena took a deep breath and prepared herself. She had never fought nor used a weapon before. However, she focused on the task at hand and kept her scythe steady before stepping in. She held the blade up to strike but Silver did not move. Instead, in a blink of an eye, he vanished. Selena abruptly stopped and almost tripped over her foot. Silver reappeared behind her and knocked her over with the blunt end of his scythe.
Selena lost her balance and fell over. Silver slid across the ground and dug the end of his weapon into the ground and leaned over the top.
“Now, I'm wondering how I should properly study you. Maybe I can perform experiments on you or even dissect you. I've never done that before so this could be quite interesting,” Silver said out loud as if he were bored.
Selena wiped the dirt off her face and picked up her weapon again. Despite how clouded her mind was, she prepared to launch another attack.
Silver got into position, but stood in a relaxed state. Selena immediately knew that this was not right, and so instead of striking, she moved to his side. Silver watched her from the corner of his eye and quickly changed his place before she could blink. He used one hand to push the blade away and his other was held to her chest. A blue aura appeared under his palm that turned into a small explosion and threw her backwards.
“W… what? What did you just do?” Selena asked, forcing herself to get up.
Silver smiled sadistically.
“I used your own energy against you,” he explained, “when one has fully perfected their use with all of the elements, there is a fifth element called spirit. With full mastery, you can even manipulate the energy within your opponents.”
Selena's eyes widened.
“What?”
“There is so much that you can do when channeling the very life force that flows through your veins. You have to keep an open mind,” Silver said and gave her a very
creepy smile.
Selena attempted to hide her fear. He propped himself up with his scythe once more as he blankly stared in her general direction.
There’s no way! I can’t do it!
Rahim jumped off Thor's saddle as the dragon stood up to walk near her. Silver did not move nor make any attempts to stop him.
Yes you can! How can you give up now after learning so much?
Thor, I'm a little hurt that you have just been sitting there the entire time!
Selena's eyes filled with tears.
Thor bared his fangs and turned to Silver.
You are right, I have stood by long enough while he got to toss you around like a ragged doll! I didn't know he was going to take it this far!
Selena looked up at Thor, then back to Silver. The fight was planned?
He merely shrugged his shoulders.
“Plans changed,” he said with a bored tone as if he read Thor’s thoughts, “I wanted to see how far I could push you. After all, I am performing an experiment of sorts. It involves you as well, Thor.”
Thor twitched a little.
What is he talking about?
I don’t know, but you knew of this?
I’m sorry but he asked me to not tell you. He told me of his plan last night to work with you. He can’t talk to me the same way you can, but I understood him. This was not part of what we discussed!
Silver smiled once more.
“Let's continue.”
He quickly changed position and charged full speed at Thor. However, Thor turned around and swung his tail to knock Silver away. As if anticipating the attack, Silver jumped straight up into the air.
“I want to see your magic!”
Selena and Thor quickly dodged out of the way as Silver landed hard on the ground, kneeling before them after thrusting his scythe into the dirt. His impact left a crater that was almost the size of Thor, destroying parts of the forest around them.
Selena forced herself to stand up. Despite feeling tired and exhausted, she tried to concentrate her energy into her weapon. Imagining it as an extension of herself, she swung it in Silver's direction. Waves of fire slashed forth, but Silver vanished again to avoid her oncoming attacks and reappeared right in front of her. Startled, Selena flinched and immediately stepped backwards and attempted to strike him. Silver placed his hands on both sides of her molten blade and the blue aura appeared around his hands. Within moments, her weapon shattered and the force sent her flying back.
Thor immediately rushed to her aid and flew over to protect her. He stepped over her and wrapped his wings around them both as Silver slowly made his way to them.
Don't touch her! I will tear you to shreds if you do! Thor growled. Selena kept looking at her dragon and back to Silver again, knowing that she was the only one who heard his warning.
Silver did not respond to his threatening posture, but rather leaned over and placed his hand on Thor's neck.
“Well done,” he said with another smile.
“What happened?” Selena asked.
“You two will be fine. I will also say that it's spectacular to see a dragon protect his partner. You two are perfect for each other.”
“What's going on?” she forced herself to ask.
Silver held up both of his hands and his scythe disappeared.
“The Empress has personally asked me to do this with you and Thor to see how well you two got along, as well as to test your abilities. I will admit, I am still very curious as to how you are able to learn magic so easily. I have a theory from a previous experiment of mine, but that I cannot tell you.”
“Wait, the Empress asked you to do this? Does she know what’s going on?” Rahim asked instead of Selena.
Silver only smiled in response.
“She was the one who sent the request to rescue me, which means she probably knew of Thor as well,” Selena reasoned out loud.
Then, does that mean that she knew what the Council was planning? What we’re planning?
Selena voiced out Thor’s response; Silver’s smile grew bigger.
“I’ll just say that you have more allies than you realize. I fully advise you to stick with your original plan. Once we get to Alfheim, there is no turning back. What say you, Andric Liongod?”
Selena swallowed hard but nodded.
“Aye,” she said with a smile.
“Also, if you do not mind, I would like to stay close so I can do some research on my possible theory. If I am correct, then we can use this to our advantage. It's quite possible that we can train future dragon riders in the same manner if it works,” Silver added.
Selena did not understand what he meant but she knew that he would not tell her even if she asked. Instead, she forced herself to get up on her feet and held herself up against Thor.
“I don’t know about that. I don’t like being toyed around with,” Selena said.
Silver held up his hands again with a nervous smile.
“Please forgive me,” he said with a change of tone, “now, let's all rest here before going to Alfheim!”
Later that afternoon around their camp, Selena sat with Thor as they ate their meals in peace. Silver once again chose not to eat while Rahim was stuffing his face.
I wonder what the Empress is really like. I'm not going to lie, I am a bit terrified, Selena said to her dragon.
Why?
Because she had everything planned. She even predicted what we did in response to the Council’s decision and that we escaped the fire. Who knows what else she can do?
Selena looked over at Silver once again. Instead of reading, he stared blankly into the fire. She was not sure what to think of him. He was mysterious in all that he did, but she understood that his intentions were good.
I agree. It seems as though we are falling directly into her plans, or trap.
Selena nodded in agreement.
I hope and pray that it’s not a trap. She may not have too much influence anymore since the Council took over, but it’s almost like she anticipated that as well. Regardless, I cannot wait to learn about the other elements. It's invigorating!
If she had all of this planned, she may very well be trying to help us, or else the Council would have gotten involved to keep us from getting as far as we have.
She immediately stopped when she suddenly felt an uncomfortable aura in the area. It was a presence that brought a dreadful feeling consuming her. She could not find the strength to move or scream.
Thor felt it as well and quickly got up to get in front of her. Rahim was confused by Thor's behavior, but Silver did not move.
“There she is!”
A large group of twenty cultists from the Obsidian Order appeared from the shadows wearing blue hoods and demonic looking armor made of black steel.
Thor spread out his wings to make himself appear more intimidating and roared. Silver summoned his scythe once again while Rahim rushed over to help Selena to her feet.
She took a deep breath and waved her hands. She concentrated on channeling the energy and created a small ball of fire that floated above her palm.
“I thought I already made it clear to leave us alone,” Silver said threateningly.
“I don't think you understand what you have gotten yourself into,” one of the Order called out, “I am the Dark Master's right hand man.”
“Quite frankly,” Selena began, “we don't care who or what you are.”
“I don't like your attitude,” he twitched.
“Do you honestly believe that you can win against us and a dragon?” Rahim asked. Selena looked at him with a confused look.
“You will come back with us, the Dark Master is so longing to see you. Attack!” he ordered and his group swarmed in at once.
Rahim stepped backwards and attempted to get on top of Thor's saddle for safety, as he did not know how to fight.
Thor did his best to fight off some of those who were surrounding them. A few bolts of lightning and ice danced through the air, followed by
the sound of pistols being shot in random directions.
Selena immediately went to a defensive stance and created her fire shield. Silver immediately used the same attacks against them that he used on her from their training session, but was not holding back. He pushed their weapons aside and used his other hand to twist their energy. However, what was different was that lightning began to pulse underneath his palm and a beam of light pierced his enemy’s chest. His corpse fell instantly to the ground.
Selena moved her hands to pull some of the fire from her shell and focused on forming it into a ring around her. She drew more energy to make it bigger. It expanded outward more as Thor and Silver moved out of the way, and in one swift movement, it exploded and knocked their enemies away.
Her flame shield dissipated into the air as she collapsed to the ground.
“Leave now! I will stay here!” Silver cried out to Rahim and Thor.
Their attackers disappeared into the shadows after being knocked back and reappeared to surround them once again.
“Don’t let them get away!” one of the Order cried out. He summoned a bow that emanated a black aura and aimed it straight for her head. Silver quickly saw this and intervened by placing his palm on the enemy’s back. He froze and exploded upon Silver's touch.
Thor flew over and grabbed Selena with his talons. She tried to open her eyes to stay awake, but she was snapped back into reality when she saw that Silver was being left behind.
No! Thor, go back! Selena squirmed in his talons but Thor ignored her request. He helped her up onto his saddle.
“He said to leave him behind,” Rahim said sadly.
With tears staining her face, Selena watched Silver disappear in the trees as they soared higher into the sky. However, she saw a dragon-like creature appear before Selena, Rahim, and Thor flew away.
Chapter 15:
The three of them flew in long silence. When she was sure that they were a safe distance from the Order, Selena ordered Thor to land so that they could arrive at Alfheim by foot.
Rahim and Selena had been quiet since they were separated from Silver. Selena was afraid that he might not survive, despite his capabilities in battle. She felt the large, crushing weight of guilt.
